Konami insists the footballer's likeness has been used 'appropriately'.

Last week Diego Maradona, still regarded by many as one of the greatest football players of all time, announced legal action against Konami via his official Facebook page. The above image was posted last week, alongside the following statement:

'I heard yesterday that the Japanese company Konami uses my image for its game PES 2017. Unfortunately, my lawyer Matias Morla will initiate the corresponding legal actions. I hope this is not another scam...'

Maradona has long since retired, but appears in PES 2017 as one of the 'Legends' in MyClub mode. As reported by Kotaku, Konami has now issued a statement in response:

'At this time, there have been news that in Winning Eleven 2017 (international title: PES 2017 Pro Evolution Soccer) there is one player that is being used without permission; however, our company is using [this player] appropriately, with the basis of the license within the contract.'

One would assume that Konami has done its homework here, but if not we can only hope this is the start of many volleys fired back and forth over Maradona's face.